Degradation behavior of poly (caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer/low-density polyethylene blends

S. C. Tjong, J. Z. Bei

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    23 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Blends of poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) block polymer (PCE) with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared by extrusion followed by compression molding into thin film specimens. The morphology, thermal properties, degradation, and mechanical behavior of the blends were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water immersion, static tensile testing, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The LDPE/PCE blends were immiscible for all chemical compositions. A LDPE/PCE (75/25 wt%) blend exhibited small reductions in weight and tensile strength after immersion in a buffer solution (pH=5.0) at 50°C for extended periods of time. However, grafting maleic anhydride onto the LDPE/PCE blends improved the compatibility between the LDPE and PCE phases. Consequently, a 75/25 wt% blend of maleated LDPE/PCE exhibited significant losses in weight and tensile strength after immersion in the buffer solution. For comparison, blends of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) with LDPE were fabricated by similar techniques. The effect of compatibilizer on the degradation of LDPE/PCE and LDPE/PCL is discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)392-402
    JournalPolymer Engineering and Science
    Volume38
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1998

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